As the completion of the Chemainus Road Corridor Upgrade Project draws nearer, everyone needs to keep in mind this is not going to be a fast track through Chemainus.
During rare moments of lighter traffic, some drivers have already been seen taking corners on the new River Road roundabout like they’re heading around the final bend toward the finish line in an Indy race.
As we’ve all surely noticed during construction from the long backed-up traffic whenever there’s been delays, the route is heavily used as the main artery into and through town.
The best part of the improvements will be the better traffic flow, especially for those coming down River Road and trying to turn either way onto Chemainus Road. The skeptics remain, but the back-ups will be virtually a thing of the past there due to the roundabout and motorists won’t have to take unnecessary chances to beat oncoming traffic, particularly when turning left and heading north.
While the aesthetics of the road are remarkable compared to what it used to like, except the blue building is still there, the fact remains this is a busy thoroughfare with many factors that need to be taken into account.
There are now two additional crosswalks that weren’t there before plus two crosswalks on the River Road roundabout. That’s not to mention another one just around the corner from the Henry Road roundabout installed at the Mount Brenton Golf Course.
Parking stalls are all along both sides of the road so cars will be pulling out and going in at all times that will require motorists to wait, especially if someone is parallel parking. This will become especially noticeable when the Chemainus Theatre shows return and a lot of those stalls will be filled.
The space seems quite tight between the parking spots and the roadway. It’s a bit deceiving, but motorists have to slow down if people are opening and closing the doors of their vehicles.
And then there’s the bike lane on the other side of the parking stalls that will surely become busier when the construction has been completed.
Lots to think about, lots to be aware of and not a section of road for careless drivers to think the smooth pavement means they’re off to the races.
